Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONWhat is my property zoned?

ANSWERIf you would like to know the zoning classification of your property, you may view the zoning for every property in the City of Tomball by viewing our Tomball Zoning Map.However, if you would like an official zoning verification letter from the City identifying your property’s zoning classification, please fill out and submit a Zoning Verification Application at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375.

QUESTIONWhat uses are allowed in my zoning district? What can I do with my property?

ANSWERThe City of Tomball has a Land Use Matrix which identifies permitted uses of each individual zoning district (residential and non-residential).If you are looking to develop on your property, you may view our Zoning Ordinance which establishes land use and development standards for every property in the City. If you have further inquiries or are unsure of where your property falls within the Zoning Ordinance, you may contact the Administrative Assistant at (281) 290-1405.If your desired plans do not comply with the current Zoning Ordinance, you may fill out and submit an application for Rezoning at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. The submittal requirements can be found on the application. It is highly encouraged that you contact the Community Development Coordinator to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.Please note all zone change requests have to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission (meeting held second Monday of every month) along with City Council (meetings held first and third Monday of every month) – Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agendas after meeting all public noticing requirements.

QUESTIONHow do I rezone my property?

ANSWERTo request rezoning, you may fill out and submit a Rezoning Applicationat 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. The submittal requirements can be found on the application. It is highly encouraged that you contact the Administrative Assistant to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.Please note all zone change requests have to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission (meeting held second Monday of every month) along with City Council (meetings held first and third Monday of every month) – Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agendas after meeting all public noticing requirements.

QUESTIONHow do I get a Conditional Use Permit?

ANSWERTo request a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), you may fill out a Conditional Use Permit Applicationand submit at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. It is highly encouraged that you contact the Community Development Coordinator to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.Please note all Conditional Use Permit requests have to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission (meeting held second Monday of every month) along with City Council (meetings held first and third Monday of every month) – Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agendas after meeting all public noticing requirements.

QUESTIONCan I set up a meeting to discuss the development of my property with City staff?

ANSWERYes, of course. You may contact the Administrative Assistant at (281) 290-1405 to set up a meeting. It will be helpful to provide the HCAD number or address of the property.Once a meeting is scheduled, please gather any useful materials to bring with you, such as a conceptual site plan. If you have an architect/engineer/contractor already, they are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting as well.

QUESTIONUnder the Comprehensive Plan, what is the Future Land Use designation for my property?

ANSWERThe Future Land Use designation for every property in the City can be found by viewing ourFuture Land Use Map. Under theComprehensive Plan, the Future Land Use Plan is intended to guide growth in alignment with Tomball’s Vision.

QUESTIONDoes the Zoning Ordinance apply to properties in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)?

ANSWER In order to apply for a variance or special exception, you may fill out a Variance or Special Exception Application and submit at 501 James Street, Tomball, TX 77375. It is highly encouraged that you contact the Planner to discuss the request prior to submitting a zone change application.Please note all variances/special exceptions have to go before the Board of Adjustments (meeting held second Thursday of every month) – Once submitted, your request will be placed on the next available meeting agenda after meeting all public noticing requirements.If you are unsure of whether you need to apply for a variance or special exception (a type of variance), please see definitions below:Variance(s) Defined - A variance is the authority to depart from the application of areas, side yards, setback, height, and similar regulations to prevent unnecessary hardships. Refer to Section 50.33 of the Code of Ordinances for additional information. No variance shall be granted for any requirement outside of Chapter 50 (Zoning).Special Exception Defined - A special exception is a type of variance, but is differentiated from a variance in that a special exception does not require a finding of a hardship and applies only to nonconforming uses and structures, off-street parking requirements and landscaping requirements.